One in six patients exhibit changes in reperfusion on 10-minute repeat cerebral angiography during mechanical thrombectomy for stroke.

Background: Post-recanalization target vessel re-occlusion (TVR) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a known complication of the procedure, and it is associated with worse long-term functional outcomes. The incidence and factors that contribute to TVR are not well understood, particularly within the immediate timeframe following EVT.

Methods: A prospective, multicenter study was performed across four comprehensive stroke centers on adult patients undergoing EVT for acute large vessel occlusion. Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score was recorded at the end of the standard procedure, and another TICI score was recorded 10 min later to evaluate for TVR.

Results: 167 patients underwent EVT for a large vessel occlusion, 93.4% of which were in the anterior circulation. Twenty-seven patients (16.2%) had a change in their TICI score 10 min after EVT, with 19 of these patients (70%) having a worsening in their score. Of the total sample, 13% had their post-procedure care altered by any intervention, and 8% underwent further endovascular interventions due to the change in reperfusion over the 10 min time period. Functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) at 90 days was observed in 31% of the entire cohort and in 21% of patients with a worse TICI score at 10 min.

Conclusions: This is the first study to prospectively assess for TVR in the immediate timeframe following EVT. One in six patients had a change in their TICI score, and one in 11 patients had additional intervention. Accordingly, neurointerventionalists should consider integrating angiographic evaluation at 10 min following EVT.